The Invisibilization of Colombian Disabled: A Semiotic Analysis of Colombia’s Revista Semana

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session I
  In Interactive Paper Session: Visual Communication Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

“Hidden history,” as described by Boorstin (1989) refers to the parts of human experience that are forgotten or obviated, and as it is true in most parts of the world, the history of disabled individuals in Colombia has followed the same course. Moreover, the presence of a disability has at times relegated individuals into a status of undesirability. Abiding in the realm of disableism, or discrimination of disabled individuals, Colombian magazines provide evidence of the denied rights and discriminatory attitudes faced by individuals with disabilities. This study benefits from theoretical triangulation in order to gain deeper understanding of the impact of the invisibilization of individuals with disabilities. Via a semiotic analysis of the Colombian visual magazine, Revista Semana, a leader in the field, images of individuals with disability were examined. Findings indicate that by obviating the disabled, individuals are in turn systematically consigned to hidden history. Further, the study will contribute to existing literature on the impact of the invisibilization of minority groups in Latin America.

Author

• Jessica E Wendorf, University of Miami